Undies MAN!!!!

My husband is awesome. I asked Jess this morning if he had any great blog ideas and he said that I should blog about how awesome he is,.... so here it goes:

My husband is awesome.

Today is New Years Eve, and our 4th wedding anniversary. We are still snuggled up in bed (Jess is fanatically trying to finish his Harry Potter book before he has to start school again on Monday), the dog is sleeping on our feet, there is new snow on the ground, our electric blanket is toasty, and life is good.

Looking back at the last four years and everything that God has brought us through and blessed us with is pretty amazing. There have been some crazy fun times (climbing fourteeners, whitewater kayaking, friend's weddings, The lake, getting Libby as a puppy,....), and also some scary and challenging times (Amy's accident, terrible apartments, NCLEX and MCAT, unemployment, moving 5 times in 4 years....) but we don't have to look too closely at any example before we see God's hand at work.

I for one can't wait to see how He is going to work in the upcoming year. We are excited about 2011, it promises to have alot of great things in store. One huge blessing is that Jess got the Air force scholarship for med school, and he is eligible for a whopping signing bonus as well as the regular living stipend next year (on top of the fact that they pay 100% of his school tuition and expenses!). A month and a half ago we were literally running out of money and didn't know what we were going to do. Then I got a job, and now this,... God is SO faithful!

Another thing that we are excited about in 2011 is our New Years resolution (I know, I know,... who really ever follows those right?). We have decided to read the whole Bible this year. It's something that I've started before, but never stuck with it. I have dozens of excuses. This year will be different though. Jess and I and his mom, Muriel, are all doing it together on the same reading plan, so there will be accountability and encouragement along the way.

(I wish I had a video of my husband just now: charging out of bed in his boxers and a old floppy sweatshirt singing: "Undies Man!!!!" to go get me the computer charger,... what a guy, he really is awesome!)

Well, I suppose thats about it,... the Undies Man theme song was too distracting and I lost my train of thought. We did have some big plans for the day, but it's too chilly to be outside much so I think we're going to venture out to the bakery then the bookstore, and then home again to curl up on the couch for the day. Then tonight we're going to our friend's Hannah and Stephen's house for a rocking New Years Eve fiesta.

Happy New Years everyone!

Merry Christmas from the Andersons!!!

Christmas perspective

I plopped down in front of the computer this morning with my mug full of Ghirardelli chocolate coffee, and a slice of chocolate banana bread with peanut butter; and had full intentions of watching a short show and folding laundry…. Well, that idea was short-lived. Maybe later.  IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!!!  And I need to blog.

First, a quick update: the new job is going fine. VERY slow… partly because of the time of year no one has really had time to train me. It’s been pretty boring and a little frustrating, BUT: I know this is where God has me. That’s all I have to say about that.  Jess has one more test tomorrow and then has a couple of weeks off,… he can’t wait to spend his free time in the next few weeks rearranging the furniture and organizing closets.                 No, really.                           That’s what he’s excited to do.           I know,… pretty weird, but what can I say?.. I love the guy!

(Mmmmm,… this banana bread is Goo-ood, If I do say so myself!)

Okay, here’s what I really got on here to blog about: It’s Christmas! And we feel so blessed this year to be where we are at. School is going great for Jess, I finally have a job (income!), we have an AMAZING church, INCREDIBLE  friends, and (as always) our families are such blessings to us, the list goes on and on!!! So many incredible blessings that the Lord has poured out on us this year. I feel like: “MAN, we really have something to celebrate this year!”

And while these things are all wonderful, and they ARE reasons to celebrate I think that this is a warped way of looking at it. I catch myself feeling celebratory due to these specific blessings in my life. What if times were harder right now? What if I didn’t have a job? What is Jess was really struggling in school? What if we were still church hunting? What if we hadn’t made any good friends here? What if,……..?

Wouldn’t there still be just as much reason to celebrate this Christmas? Wouldn’t it be just as true that Christ humbled himself for our sakes; making himself like a child, in order to provide redemption to our scarlet souls? I often catch myself celebrating and finding joy in circumstances, rather than celebrating Jesus.

Jess and I did the advent reading in church last week, it was about joy. I want to give you all the same challenge we gave to our church (and are working on ourselves): Ask yourself what you are REALLY celebrating this season. Scrutinize your source of joy. Is it in the excitement of parties, gifts, stockings, yummy food, Christmas lights, being with family…..? While I AM excited about all of these things (and I’m sure that many of you are as well) I’m working on realizing that my TRUE source of joy this season and what I should really be celebrating is this:

Philippians 2:5-11:

 ...Christ Jesus:

 Who, being in very nature God, 

   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 

rather, he made himself nothing 

   by taking the very nature of a servant, 

   being made in human likeness. 

 And being found in appearance as a man, 

   he humbled himself 

   by becoming obedient to death— 

      even death on a cross!

  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place 

 and gave him the name that is above every name, 

 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 

   in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

   to the glory of God the Father.

So, pretty much I could have just said: Jesus is the reason for the season. Cliché I know, but no less true!


Now I’m off to fold laundry. Love you all!

New job!

So I just completed my second day at the new job. Praise God! His provision didn’t come a moment too soon; His timing was impeccable, as ever.  We experienced extreme relief after I was finally officially offered the job, then I headed to Grand Junction for a FANTASTIC week with my family. Jess joined us for Thanksgiving which was so much fun. It was the first time that the entire Storey family had assembled since Matt’s wedding,… and there have been two additions since then!

Then we had to return to real life. After two days on the job I’m feeling quite overwhelmed with a number of things; and would appreciate your prayers!

First, I was expecting my commute to be about 30 minutes each way. Add in the traffic and it’s turned out to be at least 45 minutes each way. Kind of a shock to this country bumpkin. After Laramie, where I worked 7 blocks from home and walked back and forth regularly, 45 minutes in the car seems like forever! It feels like by the time I get home I’ve already lost any potential down time. I know that I will adjust, I just pray that it happens quickly! (I’m hoping to get the Bible on CD, and would love any other suggestions that people may have on productive time killers in the car!)

Second, my poor pooch doesn’t know what hit her! One minute I’m staying at home loving on her all day every day, and the next she’s cooped up by herself for at least 8 hours each day. We’re still trying to figure out how to meet the needs of our extraordinarily high energy dog while also going about the lives that God has so clearly led us to. I know that this isn’t really that big of a deal, and that she is after all just a DOG, but I love her and I feel bad about it.

 This is a big transition for Jess and I both. I won’t have as much time to keep up with stuff at home. He will have to spend more time taking care of the dog (and time is a precious commodity when you’re in medical school!). We are praying that God will continue to guide us and teach us through this process.

Finally, I am so thankful for God’s guidance and provision for us. This will be a period of change, and some if it will be hard, but it is such a blessed peace just knowing without a doubt that this is where God wants me.

Omniscient. Omnipotent. Omnipresent. Omnibenevolent.

WARNING: This blog contains severe rambling and also some blubbering. Read at your own risk.

Me yesterday: “OK God,… I know you’re up there all omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, omnibenevolent, and all those other omni-words that I don’t know (ok, I’ve gotta admit that I cheated on the omnibenevolent one, I actually only knew the other three)… and that SHOULD mean that you haven’t forgotten me down here on my own,…. But sometimes it sure feels that way.”

Still waiting. I don’t know about you (especially considering I have no idea who you are reading this blog at this exact moment) but sometimes I feel forgotten. Certainly in the last 5 months, but even before then, there have been times when God has felt so distant,… and I have not been able to see His hand in my life (The argument could be made that I have not been able to see His hand working because it didn’t do what I thought it should do and therefore ignored or didn’t recognize it,… but that point’s already been made in previous posts,….)  (OK, I seriously need to stop with the parentheses (welcome to my rabbit-trail mind).).

I’m sure you know what I mean; times when you feel a bit abandoned. I had a serious melt-down last night because I felt so forgotten. I was supposed to hear back about the job that I’ve been interviewing for by mid-week; yesterday afternoon when I still hadn’t heard back I called. She simply told me that they were still waiting on my background check. My logical brain calmly states: “that means that they’re still interested, and don’t forget: God’s in control.” My emotional brain passionately wails: “I’M SO SICK AND TIRED OF WAITING!!!!! WHY CAN’T IT JUST GO SMOOTHLY AND QUICKLY!!!!! IT ISN’T FAIR! I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!” And commence the blubbering on my hubby’s shoulder.

Jess hugged me; he told me everything was going to be OK; and then promptly introduced pizza, beer, and re-runs of The Office which helped significantly. I married the perfect guy.

I’ve just been digesting the situation today and I know that the root of the issue is almost always the same for me: trusting God in every circumstance. The specific manifestation of that issue this week was having patience while trusting and waiting for His provision. Patience has never been my strongest characteristic,… I think that I will probably struggle with having patience my whole life. (It’s one more fruit of the Spirit that it really is up to HIM to manifest in my life!) The other thought that I had was: how consistent have I been at spending time reading my Bible and praying this week? The answer: NOT consistent enough.

So, after some serious rambling and blubbering (you were warned), the conclusion that I’m left with is this:

Next time I’m feeling a heavy sense abandonment or like I’ve been forgotten, I need to ask myself these questions (preferably BEFORE the blubbering commences):

1. Have I been in the WORD? The armor of God in Ephesians 6 mentions the Gospel of Peace. Sounds like that might be helpful.

2. What fruit of the Spirit would be helpful in dealing with this situation (Galatians 5:22-23)? These are characteristics that are part of a package deal when we accept Christ as our Savior and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As believers we should manifest all of these every day. I want to remember to specifically pray for the manifestation of peace and patience in my life; every day, and ESPECIALLY when my emotional brain starts go a little crazy on me.

3. Finally, Am I, right now in this moment, trusting that God is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omnibenevolent? (And any other omni-word I don’t know about…)

Because He is.

Job opportunities and motherly wisdom

I had a job interview yesterday. It went well, and they called me back this morning for a second interview next week with the entire team of people that I would be working with. It’s for a public health nursing job working with children with special needs. I did a similar program in Laramie, and it was probably my least favorite part of my job there. Not because I don’t have a heart for children with special needs, but because there is not as much face to face time with your clients as I would like. I have mixed feelings to say the least.

Now, growing up my mother used all of those awesome “mom sayings.” You all know what I mean. There are threatening ones like: “stop whining or I’ll give you something to whine about,…  or Do _________ this instant or I’ll spank you ‘til your bottom blisters” (we always just laughed,… which made her more frustrated). Then there were the wise mom quotes,… ones that I’ll remember my whole life (and I’m sure use on my own children many many times) because they teach an important life lesson. (Bear with me, I will eventually come full circle.) These include: “a job half done is twice done,… delayed obedience is disobedience,… neither a borrower nor lender be,…” I could really go on and on… (I love you Mom!  ;-) Anyway here’s the one I’m trying to apply now: “beggars can’t be choosers.”

I’m struggling with this because I’ve been fighting off feelings of entitlement for the last 4 months. At the end of June I turned down a job that I would have loved because I took a hard pro-life stance on an interview question. The interviewer went so far as to call me and flat-out say that if I would compromise just a little bit that I could have the job. That simply was not an option, and I told her that if that was what they required, then I was not the right person to be working with them. It was a huge disappointment, but I got over it quickly because I really believed that God was going to bless my faithfulness in taking a stand for what I know to be right.

BUT: If I’m going to be perfectly honest I must admit that my motivation for turning down the job was not really what it should have been. My heart was not in the right place. Instead of simply wanting to do what is right because it pleases God’s heart, I did it mostly because I thought that rich heavenly blessings would rain down upon me because of my incredible faithfulness to God (insert sarcasm here). The fact of the matter is that I did not make that decision out of faithfulness; I made it out of selfishness. I made it because I thought that if I did then it would almost force God into providing me with something bigger and better. I thought that I was suffering for Christ (what a martyr right?), and was bound to be rewarded. Foolish me.

So, (here I come to close the circle,… promised I would!) here I am today, almost 4 months later and I’m up for another job (with the same organization actually) that I will gratefully accept if offered (after all beggars can’t be choosers); because no matter what the job may be it is better than more unemployment.

The last four months have taught me a lot about the nature of God, my own worth, and my relationship with Christ; and I want to keep learning. I think that this (seemingly less than ideal) job may be one more way for God to help me keep my eyes focused on Him rather than my own career and accomplishments. I will do the work that God sets before me, and I will do it cheerfully (yup,… another one of Mom’s!).

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13

You see it's all about perspective. The last 4 months have not seemed like the "perfect plan" for my life on the surface. However if I compare my relationship with Christ now to where it was 4 months ago, I realize that the last 4 months have been so much better for me than they would have if I had been working. I was forced to seek after God with all of my heart,... and I found Him,... just like He promised.

I can't think of a better hope or future than that.

Taking a stand against fear

I’ve been looking up verses on fear and worry. Man, there are TONS of them. Here is one of my favorites:

II Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

I’ve realized lately how much I live in fear. It seems like I have a lot of things to be afraid of right now:

I’m afraid that I won’t get a good job.

I’m afraid that all my years of toiling through nursing school were wasted.

I’m afraid I made a huge mistake and maybe I was never supposed to be a nurse.

I’m afraid that I blew it. God had a specific plan, and now I’m off course and I’ve blown it.

I’m afraid that we’re running out of money.

I’m afraid cause I can’t always see how God will provide for our needs.

I’m afraid because I have no idea what tomorrow holds, and I’m afraid I won’t like it.

I’m afraid to make a decision about my situation, because it might not be the “right” one.

I’m afraid of taking action, in case it’s in the wrong direction.

I could seriously go on and on and on…

But I won’t because I am going to take a stand against fear.

Matthew 6:31-34 “Therefore do not worry saying, ‘what shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Even as I write down some of these fears that skim through my brain every day I realize how foolish it is. I don’t believe that God has one narrow craggy path for each of our lives and that if we take a wrong turn we’re doomed. Our God is the God of REDEMPTION. Yes sometimes we may take wrong turns and make poor decisions, but He can take and redeem those for His glory. There are so many Biblical examples of this. King David, Jonah, Abraham’s wife Sarah, Joseph's brothers,….

God is in the business of taking imperfect people in imperfect situations and renewing them; sometimes over and over and over again.

Isaiah 43: 1b-2 “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Hebrews 13:6 “So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

So then, I’m not going to live in a spirit of fear; and the II Timothy verse tells us exactly what we can replace fear with: power, love, and a sound mind or self-discipline. (I think that he throws in the part about self-discipline to say that he knows it’s going to take a lot of self-discipline in order to not fall back into fear.) I know it will be an on-going process; but I’m going to try my darndest to live with a spirit of power and love. I’m going to seek God’s guidance about my situation and make decisions based on the wisdom that He has granted me. They may not always be the “right” one, but I know that if I am seeking after God, then He can redeem. I’m going to trust in His provision. I’m going to rest on that today.

Psalms 27:1 “THE LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Isaiah 35:4 “Say to those that are fearful hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with a vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’”

Psalms 118:6 “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

1^st John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

Faithful,... despite appearances

Blog Blog Blog. I have enjoyed numerous blogs by friends through the years, but have never felt the urge to start one of my own. Now I have copious amounts of free time on my hands, am realizing that I miss using my brain, and though this is hardly mental exercise; it is better than nothing.

Also, for the first time in,… well, maybe ever,… I feel like I actually have valuable things to share with you. God is truly AMAZING. The last few months have been some of the hardest of my life. And yet through it I have been enabled to praise His HOLY name. For He is Awesome and worthy to be praised! On the surface, life could really suck right now. I’ve been unemployed for about 3 ½ months and it has shaken me to the core. I never saw myself in this situation. I’m a nurse for crying out loud. Aren’t nurses supposed to be epically employable? I mean, you hear nursing talked about as the epitome of job security,… Well, I’m here to say that nothing in this life is secure or predictable,… except one thing: God’s faithfulness and His love for us (and all other aspects of His character).

             Some days I still have a hard time trusting His faithfulness to us right now,… I mean,… Jess is in med school (an expensive one at that). We’re talking LOTS of debt. Kinda scary. And well, I’m supposed to be making money right now,… but instead we are living off of our quickly disappearing savings. THIS WAS NOT PART OF THE PLAN!!! But, apparently it WAS a part of God’s plan for us. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Parker is where God wants us to be. Jess is being blessed in school, we have been unbelievably blessed here with a fantastic church body, and amazing friends,…  God IS faithful!  Believing in His faithfulness sometimes requires a complete change of perspective. We expect His faithfulness and provision to take on a certain form, and if it shows up looking differently than we expected then we reject it. We flail. I have been doing a lot of flailing. I’m trying to stop flailing and start resting in the knowledge that He loves Jess and I. Personally. Passionately. Our job is simply to love Him back, and trust that He will take care of the rest. (Even when it’s terrifying.)

            That my friends, is one of the many, many, many things that I am learning right now. It is definitely an active process. I put this on my wall a few weeks ago to help me remember.

             

            We'll chat again soon!